March 25, 2020

Students and Parents of CNHS:

As we begin a new paradigm for our learning over the next few weeks, we wanted to provide you with some information to help you navigate “E-learning” and what it will look like. We are grateful that Columbus North has been doing E-learning for several years, and our faculty are already working on creative and engaging ways to ensure that learning continues during this time:

• Students should use their “it’sLearning” accounts to get information and expectations for their classes each day. The requirement by the state for all E-learning is that students will engage in about five hours of instruction and activities each day. At CNHS, we have instructed teachers to provide between 30-40 minutes of learning for each class. This will look different in different classes, but your teachers have been preparing and planning to make these times meaningful for you.

• Our schedule will remain the same, so students should plan on having each class every day.  This may vary some at teacher’s discretion, but it should not vary much.

• Lessons and learning experiences will be released one day at a time each day, beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesdays through Thursdays each week. And while there will be a lesson, teachers are going to work with students to help them get used to a new way of learning.  Mondays and Fridays will be Professional Development days for staff.
• Students will be able to engage with the content at their own pace and at the time of their choice. Teachers will be available to provide support and answer questions throughout the day. They will communicate with students on a class by class basis of what that will look like. Typically, teachers will be most available during the day from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• There will still be assignments – including tests and quizzes. Teachers will work with students, set expectations and due dates as well as provide support during this time.
• It will be critical for students to communicate with their teachers – they can use the messaging feature found in “it’sLearning” as well as other means that teachers may set up for classes, as they use many resources to help students learn in this different format.  Email is always an option.
• Remember, one of our goals is to prepare students with the College and Life readiness traits they will need, and social intelligence and self-advocacy are an important part of that. Please encourage your student to be proactive, ask questions, tell their teachers when they need help – and let them do the communicating. This time will be a great opportunity to develop that skill.
• It is extremely important that you show you caring side during this time. One way for us to do that is to honor the idea that this time is for social distancing. You have no doubt seen many articles on what this means, and we want to do our part in this community effort. We have communicated with teachers and staff that we will not be meeting with students in person. Any/all communication with a teacher should take place virtually.
• Other information will be posted to “it’sLearning” and to our website.
• The building will be shut down to student traffic during this time.  If you have an emergency you may call the main office at 812-376-4431 during the hours of 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

If you have individual questions about a specific class, please contact your student’s teacher. We will also be happy to provide answers to questions and support as well. Each of our departments will be considering how to continue to help families during this time, so keep watch for updates and communication on what that will look like. We are continually monitoring the developments of what is happening and will consider upcoming April events as we get more information.

A team of five Columbus North High School students, Sami Heathcote, Vivek Hebbar, Anna Kim, Helen Rumsey, and Erica Song, have been selected as National Finalists in the MathWorks Math Modeling Challenge. This means they are one of the top six teams in the country. They will learn their exact placement in about a month and will win anywhere from $5,500 to $21,000 in scholarships. If you know these students, send them a message of congratulations!

In this competition, the team was given a real-world problem (involving electric long haul trucks) on March 1st and they had only 14 hours to research, create mathematical models, test those models, and communicate their solution in a twenty-page paper. Their paper underwent multiple rounds of judging by college professors across the country to be selected.

BCSC Statement Clarifying Waiver Days

AP Updates for Schools Impacted by Coronavirus

BCSC Statement re: School Closure through May 1

March 19, 2020

The unprecedented nature of the coronavirus pandemic leads us to constantly evaluate our decisions and make adjustments.  With this in mind, the following represents our most current updated information:

-Governor Holcomb today announced that ALL school corporations in Indiana would be closed through at least May 1, 2020.  Therefore, BCSC is closed and all school-related activities canceled until Monday, May 4, 2020.

-With the extended school closure, waiver days will now be utilized and the schedule for eLearning days modified.  Beginning next week and throughout the closure, waiver days will occur on Mondays and Fridays and eLearning days implemented on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.  Such an arrangement allows us to get through the end of the school year, if necessary, without having any make-up days and provides our teachers with additional time to prepare and assess as they deliver quality instruction to our students.

-Although there is a change in the eLearning days, meals for students WILL continue to be offered Monday through Friday at the previously listed sites.

For additional information:

-School specific questions can be best addressed by contacting the building directly or messaging the classroom teacher.

-Anyone (students, parents, staff members) with additional questions regarding eLearning should call our hotline at 812-418-0252 or email elearning@bcsc.k12.in.us.

-Anyone with questions regarding our distribution of meals can contact our Food Service Department at 812-376-4462.

Parents –

We recognize the challenges this extended school closure creates and hope that you know we are here to support you.  Our students, YOUR children, are the most important assets in this community and together we will take care of them.  TOGETHER…WE will continually check in and ask YOU to let us know when additional support is needed.

Jim Roberts

-Students without a device can retrieve one by visiting their school building between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on either Monday, March 23 or Tuesday, March 24.

-Students with damaged devices should contact the Information Services Center (812- 376-4513), 2650 Home Avenue, between 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to request receipt of a loaner device.

UPDATE: The BCSC Prom is canceled for 5/2.  BCSC will have to evaluate at a later date if it is even possible to move it to later in May....

March 19, 2020

CNHS students and staff,

In lieu of the recent events surrounding COVID-19 and the seeming uncertainty that faces us now we thought we’d reach out with a brief note.

Students,

This is a year that not one of us will forget.  The unique challenges that await us are opportunities for us to grow in not only academic ways, but more importantly, in social and emotional ways as well.  It is painful for most because, despite a common accepted sentiment, most students truly do enjoy being in school and understand the importance of improving within their own sphere.  Although it appears that for a time you’ll be losing out on cherished memories, this moment in time should not be allowed to rob you of continuing to learn and of preparing yourselves to serve.

The Indiana Department of Education will provide guidance in re: to our seniors and next steps for all seniors in the State of Indiana.  We will share with you via our website and other media outlets as soon as we get it.

These unique challenges will, in time, pass.  We look forward to hearing from you and to seeing what you do in this time to stay focused on your academics.  We are confident that what you can learn in addition to academics, is that helping others in these challenging times, will provide lessons that will pay dividends for a very long time. 

That said, stay safe and practice good health habits…and know that we, the staff at CNHS love our students.

Staff,

Thanks for choosing to be a part of the greatest profession that ever existed.  Outside of what takes place in the home, nothing is more important than what you do in preparing students for life.  We’ve already heard many unique and fascinating ways that our staff is planning on utilizing digital resources to continue to educate.  Your kindness and caring will be a light to your students who will be forever grateful that YOU worked WITH THEM during this moment in time.

And to you as well, stay safe and practice good health habits and know that you are doing a great work, whether you are at 1400 25^th Street or in cyberspace…you make it happen!

Sincerely,

David D. Clark                  Susan Finke Scott                           John Green

BCSC Letter re: Details for School Closure (Students/Parents) Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Students & Parents of BCSC,

This pandemic will be difficult for our students, families, and community. Not only are we facing the threat of serious illness, but the potential loss of income threatens housing and food security for many in our community. While we must take necessary steps to protect public health, the teachers and staff members at BCSC are committed to doing everything possible to address these difficulties for our families. Below is an update on the steps that BCSC is taking to protect the health of our community while ensuring that students have access to the resources they need:

Access to School Buildings:

-For students/parents needing items (electronic devices, books/materials, medications, etc.) from school buildings, each school can be accessed from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Monday, March 23 and Tuesday, March 24 OR by scheduling an appointment by contacting the main office of the building. Individuals must enter through Door 1 only as all other doors will be locked.

-The Administration Building (812-376-4234), Information Services Center (812-376- 4513), and Transportation & Maintenance Building (812-376-4246) will remain open by appointment only during the school closure.

Resources for eLearning:

-Teachers will post lesson plan information through BCSC’s learning management system, itslearning, and will be available to interact virtually with students from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day. Because kindergarten students are not assigned a BCSC electronic device, kindergarten teachers will communicate activities to families for students to complete.

-Students without a device can retrieve one by visiting their school building between 7:30

a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on either Monday, March 23 or Tuesday, March 24.

-Students with damaged devices should contact the Information Services Center (812- 376-4513), 2650 Home Avenue, between 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to request receipt of a loaner device.

-Families without reliable internet access can do the following:

-Submit an application to request a wireless internet hotspot via this LINK or call 812-418-0252. (Currently, there are a limited number of wireless hotspots available.)

-Comcast internet provider is offering a free internet essentials package for those who qualify. Visit https://www.internetessentials.com/covid19 for additional information.

-Visit the Westside Community Church, 124 Tipton Lakes Boulevard, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays.

-Additional information about how eLearning days are utilized can be found at https://sites.google.com/bcsc.k12.in.us/bcscelearning.

-Anyone (students, parents, staff members) with additional questions regarding eLearning should call our hotline at 812-418-0252 or email elearning@bcsc.k12.in.us.

Nutritional Resources:

-Meals will be available to students each day between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at Clifty Creek Elementary School, Schmitt Elementary School, Smith Elementary School, and Taylorsville Elementary School in a “grab and go” format to minimize person to person interaction.

-Meals will include both lunch and breakfast items and are free to children under the age of 18. Adults may purchase lunches at these sites for $3.50. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

-Meals will also be available, via BCSC school buses, at the following locations from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. within the county:

Administration Building = Corner of 12th St. & Cottage Ave. Central Middle School Parking Lot

Southside Elementary School Parking Lot Columbus East High School Parking Lot Elizabethtown Library Parking Lot

Pence Apartments

Heritage Heights Addition (near main office) Candlelight Village

Driftside Park

Cambridge Square Apartments

Mt. Healthy Elementary School Parking Lot 9th Street Park

-Anyone with questions regarding our distribution of meals can contact our Food Service Department at 812-376-4462.

Other Resources:

-School personnel are ready and eager to take phone calls to help meet the needs of students. These individuals can be reached by calling students’ school buildings and include principals, counselors, deans, and mental health providers.

-For additional information not addressed in this statement, please contact the BCSC Administration Building at 812-376-4234.

Our schools will continue to serve our students, families, and community as well as possible. We miss our kids and families and want to hear from you. If you need assistance, call our schools or the BCSC Crisis Hotline (812) 379-7710. If you need immediate assistance, please call 911.

Although we are officially closed through Friday, April 3, 2020, the evolving nature of this pandemic may result in the need for us to make additional tough decisions. As more information is gathered, we pledge to remain in constant communication as we work to meet the needs of this community.

We look forward to welcoming you back into our schools as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so!

Thanks, Jim Roberts

2020 BCSC eLearning Update

Dear Parent or Guardian, 

For any district-wide closure after Spring Break (March 16-20th, 2020), BCSC will have an eLearning Day. BCSC may also utilize eLearning days for specific schools or district-wide for student health and safety concerns.  If an eLearning day will take place, this information will be communicated via e-alert, BCSC social media outlets, BCSC website, and local news/radio. In the event of an eLearning day, students will NOT report to school, but will complete learning assignments online.

Why?

• Eliminates added days at the end of the year
• Allows for continuous instruction
• Prepares our students to learn from new and innovative technology 

Learning objectives will be posted by 9:00 am, and teachers will be available online from 9:00am to 3:00pm in our learning management system, www.itslearning.com.

In an effort to prepare for eLearning days, all BCSC students will be taking home their BCSC-issued electronic device daily following spring break to ensure students have devices readily available should an eLearning day take place. If a parent/guardian specified in the BCSC One to One Technology Use Agreement that a BCSC-issued device will not go home with the student, the device will not be sent home.

If possible, depending on the circumstances, Central Middle School, Parkside Elementary, and Taylorsville Elementary will be available from 11:00am to 1:00pm for lunch on eLearning days. No buses will run routes on eLearning days. BCSC communication outlets will indicate if lunch sites are open.

Helpful Tips:

• For questions before an eLearning Day:
• Check out https://sites.google.com/bcsc.k12.in.us/bcscelearning
• Email elearning@bcsc.k12.in.us.
• For help on an eLearning Day: 
• Email elearning@bcsc.k12.in.us 
• Call the eLearning hotline at 812-418-0252 

For more information, visit: https://sites.google.com/bcsc.k12.in.us/bcscelearning. 

Thank you,

Brenny Kummer / BCSC Coordinator of Instructional Technology

Información del aprendizaje vía electrónica (eLearning) en BCSC - 2020 

Estimado padre o guardián,

Por cada día sin clases en el distrito escolar debido a mal tiempo después de las vacaciones de primavera (Spring Break - 16 al 20 de marzo), BCSC tendrá un día de “eLearning”. BCSC puede usar también días de “eLearning” para escuelas específicas o para todo el distrito por motivos de salud o seguridad de los estudiantes. Si se llevara a cabo un día de “eLearning”, esta información se comunicará vía alertas electrónicas, redes sociales y sitios de internet de BCSC, y medios de comunicación locales. En este caso, los estudiantes NO se presentarán a la escuela, sino que completarán las tareas de aprendizaje en línea. 

¿Por qué?

• Se eliminan días adicionales al fin del año escolar
• Nos permite seguir con la instrucción académica
• Prepara a nuestros estudiantes a aprender de tecnología nueva e innovadora.

Los objetivos de aprendizaje se publicarán a las 9:00 de la mañana y los maestros estarán disponibles en línea de las 9:00 a.m. hasta las 3:00 p.m. en nuestro sistema de administración de aprendizaje en el sitio  www.itslearning.com.

En un esfuerzo para prepararlos para los días de eLearning, todos los estudiantes de BCSC se llevarán a casa su dispositivo electrónico proporcionado por BCSC después de las vacaciones de primavera para garantizar que los estudiantes tengan dispositivos disponibles en caso de que tengamos un día de “eLearning”.

De ser posible, dependiendo de las circunstancias, las escuelas Central, Parkside, y Taylorsville abrirán para servir comida a los estudiantes de las 11:00 de la mañana hasta las 1:00 p.m. en los días de “eLearning”. No habrá servicio de transporte en los días de “eLearning”. Los comunicados de BCSC indicarán si estas escuelas están abiertas.

Consejos útiles:

• Para preguntas antes de un día de “eLearning”:
• Ir al sitio web: https://sites.google.com/bcsc.k12.in.us/bcscelearning 
• Preguntas por email: elearning@bcsc.k12.in.us.
• Para obtener ayuda durante el día de “eLearning”:
• Envíe un mensaje a: elearning@bcsc.k12.in.us 
• O llame al 812-418-0252
  
  

Para obtener más información, vaya a https://sites.google.com/bcsc.k12.in.us/bcscelearning.

Muchas gracias,

Brenny Kummer / BCSC Coordinator of Instructional Technology